I just started hiking with my dog and started looking into how to make sure he's warm and safe if I went backpacking. Luckily, for a school project at CU Boulder, I had to work with Sundial Dog Gear for a semester long project. I was basically forced to write a blog but then I started researching and actually looking into paw care and realized how important it was. I'm sure other people were in my same shoes so I wanted to share a blog about it. Full transparency: I'm not trying to sell anything. Just thought that more people should make sure to keep their dogs warm. Blog

I’ve walked my dog every day for the last 2 years in the forest near my house- we live in central MA. she is great pyr/husky and it’s her happy place. She’s e-collar trained since she used to run all over the place and go out of ear shot (even with a bell on) and has had a couple porcupine encounters and potentially a coyote. Lately I’ve been seeing posts in our town facebook about bears raiding people’s goat and chicken pens. And then recently I saw bear scat on one of the trails deep in the forest. I’ve never had a black bear encounter, but am terrified of having one, especially with my dog around since I’ve heard they can cause bears to be aggressive. I’m trying to think about how we haven’t had an issue for 2 years, plus I have family who walk in the same woods with their dogs, bikers, etc. But my anxiety feels hard to overcome. Running around the woods off leash is my dog’s favorite thing to do, but I’m not sure if I can bring myself to do it anymore and get past my fear. For all I know maybe she has encountered one already and it was fine, I’m sure I’ve coexisted in those woods with them before and not known. The scat and recent posts just have me nervous. My sister lives farther north in NH and has seen a mom with cubs and her dogs chased the mom, and everything ended up fine- but I think if that happened to me I would pass out. Any advice appreciated. I’m scared of bears and also scared I’m going to be unable to do what my dog and myself SO enjoy doing together. On leash just wouldn’t be the same. Today I’m trying to walk in a different set of trails all together and just keeping it short. She has her bell on and I have a second dog with me.

My husband and I will be in the Ellijay (Roo mountain area)November 5-9. We are wanting to take our dogs on some light hikes or trails. I have one reactive dog so I’m looking for suggestions on something maybe not as popular or less busy. Also, I have several things on my list but what are some places to visit and eat that I can’t leave town without doing?!

Hello!

Hopefully this is okay to post, I am trying to arrange a virtual meetup for lady backpackers this Tuesday. I am an avid backpacker and love connecting with other outdoorsy people. It's been a bit of a rough few months for me. Someone I respect a lot suggested trying to connect more with other backpackers to help bring more positivity to my life. I live in a fairly rural area, so I thought a virtual meetup might be fun!

I have thru-hiked over 10,000 miles (the little dog has thru-hiked 9,000) and go backpacking every month. I also do some freelance gear testing. If you are wanting to build your confidence in the outdoors, I am happy to try to help and answer questions at this meetup. I can also answer questions specific to backpacking with dogs!

If you are interested, the meetup will be this Tuesday from 6-7 pm MDT. It is on Google Meet and you can add it to your calendar with this link: https://calendar.app.google/LdGPEseDn3Xzgkgk6

Just to be 100% clear, this is free and just something I am doing for fun.

Photo of my two pups on our Colorado Trail thru-hike this last summer for tax :)

I’m curious how much of a load you all let your dogs carry in their packs. I know the oft cited 20% of body weight max for humans but I generally think dogs are stronger pound for pound. FWIW I’m no where near 20% for myself and would always strive for less with my dog.

Edit: The above is poorly worded so let me clarify, my dog is ~60 lbs and has never carried more than ~2.5lbs I’m not looking to max out his load I was just curious if there was a similiar rule of thumb for dogs like we have for people. I’m a lightweight hiker and continue that theme my dog

Edit: The Internet never fails to disappoint to bring out the best in all of us, I honestly didn’t think this would light such a fire under so many here, literally in ”BACKPACKINGDOGS” sub.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-dog-wear-backpack/

https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/228/17/jeb250524/369163/The-biomechanics-of-working-dog-locomotion-II

Hi so I’ve been wanting to take my two dogs on an offbeat place with me but I don’t really know if it will be a good idea as I’m not sure about the locations, wether there will be lots of street dogs etc. Can someone recommend some places where it’s not too overpopulated with street dogs and hikes or treks that are beginner friendly? (Anywhere near himanchal, safe for women and foreigners😭😭)

Hi all my ACD (blue heeler) and I are avid hikers he thrives in the outdoors and we have done weekend trips in 3 seasons. We will now be doing small weekend trips in the eastern sierras where temperatures drop to 20 degrees and I’d like to invest on all the things to make sure he’s safe and comfortable .i have a sling ! Drop your recs

Hey y'all, looking for recommendations for long haul hikes to do with my sweet girl. I've already done Lost Coast and am planning to do Tahoe Rim this next year.

Already on my list are

• Oregon Coast
• Idaho Centennial
• Colorado Trail (minus the first 7 miles at the northern terminus)
• Superior Hiking Trail
• Ozark Trail
• Ouachita Trail
• Lone Star Trail
• Pinhoti Trail
• Palmetto Trail
• Sheltowee Trace
• Cohos Trail
• Finger Lakes
• The Ice Age Trail
• Northville-Placid
• and The Long Trail

I'm hoping to keep my travels to continental North America only because outside of that you start risking delicate ecosystems and running into major quarantining regulations, but I'm open to Canada, Alaska, and Mexico and as you can see I have very little knowledge of hiking in those areas lol. And yes, in case anyone is worried, I am familiar with hiking around large predators while with a dog and will do my due diligence to educate myself of bear/wolf/lion regulations prior to marching my furry friend into the wilderness.

If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them, or if you have any questions about trails on my list I'd love to answer them! Picture of my dog for tax and thanks so much!

Planning/preparing for a multi month canoe trip come spring

Remy came from a rescue six weeks ago. Have been on a bunch of day hikes. First overnighter - went great.

I'm taking my short haired dog tent camping in the White Mountains (NH) in the middle of October. Nightly temperatures are expected to hit 35°F and I'm looking for a dog jacket that will keep her warm but not make her hot. None of the online descriptions give temperature ranges for these coats, just cold vs very cold, so I'm curious what people's experiences have been with different dog jackets. Any recs for that temperature range?

Took my boy, Max, out for a twelve mile lopp through the state forest and he had the absolute best time splashing through every single creek we passed. He's currently snoring so loud on the living room rug that I can't hear the TV. Worth every second of scrubbing his fur before letting him back inside.